REPORTER
Mercer Island
Serving the Mercer Island community since 1947
Candidates step up for city, county and schools
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YTN opening night gala for “42nd Street” is April 19
Political newcomer Rich Erwin to join race for City Council position No. 6
Youth Theatre Northwest will hold a special opening night gala on Friday, April 19, at 7 p.m. for the new production, “42nd Street.” The show will be performed April 19 through May 5. Learn more online at www.youththeatre.org.
By Reporter Staff
Join the Mercer Island Little League in celebrating opening day on Saturday, April 20, at the South Mercer Playfields. Former Mariner Edgar Martinez will be on hand to help kick off the season. The event begins at 11 a.m. See page 15 for more information.
Discussion on school overcrowding set for April 23 at MICEC Island residents concerned about the overcrowding crisis at our schools are hosting informal discussions regarding a potential upcoming school bond measure. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., March 23, at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. For information, email paul@ cofen.com.
St. Monica School open house is April 24 An open house for St. Monica School will be held from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m., April 24, at the school. Free informational tours will be provided. Learn more online at www. stmonicasea.org.
Megan Managan/Staff Photo
Tulips and other flowers bloom at the South Mercer Playfields on Thursday, April 11. The tulip fields in Skagit County are also in full bloom.
Island institution Alpenland to close Deli will close doors on Saturday, April 20 By Megan Managan
mmanagan@mi-reporter.com
Despite a collaborative effort between owners old and new, a gathering place and an important part of Island life will close. Owner Dianne Masaoka said the restaurant and store will be closing this weekend, citing personal reasons. “We’ve really enjoyed getting to know our regular customers,” new owner Masaoka said. “We really love Alpenland and know they do, too. We’re very sad.” Known to Islanders as the place to get everything from imported chocolates to hand-
and gifts, such as polish sausage, sauerkraut and its well-known Reuben sandwiches. When Masaoka bought the business from the Gadolas, some staff stayed on to help with the transition with tradimade nutcrackers at Christmas tional recipes. The busitime and good ness was origifood, it was the nally owned family touch that by Katrin mattered. and Gunter Dianne and Bonnofsky, and her husband, was purchased Chris Masaoka, by Linda and with ties to the Toni Gadola Island via famin 1997. The ily ownership of Gadolas sold Oh Chocolate!, the business Dianne Masaoka, bought the store Owner, Alpenland Deli last year when from former they decided owner Linda it was time to Gadola last May. The Gadolas had owned the deli retire. The Masaokas took over last June. for almost 15 years. Dianne Masaoka said the deciThe store, located on 78th sion was very difficult. She said Avenue S.E., originally opened they plan to have a storewide in 1974 and has since featured traditional European-style food sale, which began on Monday, April 15.
Organ concert performed by
Mel Butler
Canon Musician at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle
“We’ve really enjoyed getting to know our regular customers. We really love Alpenland and know they do, too.”
Candidates | Page 2
Friday, April 19 at 7:30pm Mercer Island Presbyterian Church 3605 84th Ave S.E. | Mercer Island
Mercer Island
Little League opening day is April 20
Boeing engineer Richard Erwin, along with incumbents, City Councilman Dan Grausz and School Board member Dave Myerson, have announced their intentions to run again for public office along with King County Sheriff John Urquhart. Erwin will run for Pos. 6 on the Mercer Island City Council, the seat now held by Mike Grady. Islander Benson Wong announced his run for Council last week. Grausz, who has served on the Council since 1999, will run to retain his seat, Pos. 2.
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